From the Pastor’s Desk – October 2018

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matt. 5:2c NIV)

I have been feeling good lately. I have gotten through some tough mine fields, since Joanne’s death. Thanksgiving and Christmas of 2017 are a blur in my mind. I know they were good but I don’t remember too much of them.

I have noticed that lately I have been quiet, moody, depressed etc. This started in September, when Joanne and I began the journey that led us to her death.

I can vividly remember the doctor visits, the testing, unknowing and the frustration of what comes next. When our doctor told us that the CT scans of Joanne’s lungs were cancerous. This hit us hard. As we then prepared for the oncologist visit, we were shaken to the very core of our being. “Mrs. Michaels you have an untreatable, fast moving cancer that has spread”. He also told us there is nothing they can do. No further appointments were made, Hospice was contacted and six days later Joanne left to be with God.

I am now reliving those days. The anxiety and the frustrations are at an all time high. October 8 looms in front of me, and I do not know how it will affect me. Yet, as Psalm 23 states “yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, thou art with me”.

In my heart of hearts I know beyond a shadow of doubt that God will help me through October 8. I know I will always have this hole in my heart, yet God’s “rod and staff they comfort me”.

Are you understanding that whenever we walk through this valley, that God will protect and defend you? I had to learn this the hard way, but still his love never left me. God loves you, so do I.

In service to our Lord Jesus Christ,

Rev Keith Michaels